Part 59 (1/2)
Peter pa.s.sed, smiling, on to the corner pointed out by his companion, which was the darkest and most secluded in the room. He took her fan and gloves, lit her cigarette, and leaned back by her side.
”How does your brother, a stranger to London, find time to make the acquaintance of so many interesting people?” he asked.
”He brought many letters,” she replied. ”He has friends everywhere.”
”I have an idea,” Peter remarked, ”that an acquaintance of my own, the Count von Hern, spoke to me once about him.”
She took her cigarette from her lips and turned her head slightly.
Peter's expression was one of amiable reminiscence. His cheeks were a trifle flushed, his appearance was entirely rea.s.suring. She laughed at her brother's caution. She found her companion delightful.
”Yes, the Count von Hern is a friend of my brother's,” she admitted, carelessly.
”And of yours?” he whispered, his arm slightly pressed against hers.
She laughed at him silently and their eyes met. Decidedly Peter, Baron de Grost, found it hard to break away from his old weakness! Andrea Korust, from his place near the piano, breathed a sigh of relief as he watched. A moment or two later, however, Mademoiselle Korust was obliged to leave her companion to receive a late but unimportant guest, and almost simultaneously Colonel Mayson pa.s.sed by on his way to the farther end of the apartment. Andrea Korust was bending over the piano to give some instructions to his accompanist. Peter leaned forward and his face and tone were strangely altered.
”You will find General Noseworthy of the Indian Army a little inquisitive, Colonel,” he remarked.
The latter turned sharply round. There was meaning in those few words, without doubt! There was meaning, too, in the still, cold face which seemed to repel his question. He pa.s.sed on thoughtfully. Mademoiselle Korust, with a gesture of relief, came back and threw herself once more upon the couch.
”We must talk in whispers,” she said, gayly. ”Andrea always declares that he does not mind conversation, but too much noise is, of course, impossible. Besides, Mademoiselle Celaire will not spare you to me for long.”
”There is a whole language,” he replied, ”which was made for whispers.
And as for Mademoiselle Celaire--”
”Well?”
He laughed softly.
”Mademoiselle Celaire is, I think, more your brother's friend than mine,” he murmured. ”At least, I will be generous. He has given me a delightful evening. I resign my claims upon Mademoiselle Celaire.”
”It would break your heart,” she declared.
His voice sank even below a whisper. Decidedly, Peter, Baron de Grost, did not improve!
He rose to leave precisely at the right time, neither too early nor too late. He had spent altogether a most amusing evening. There were one or two little comedies which had diverted him extremely. At the moment of parting, the beautiful eyes of Mademoiselle Korust had been raised to his very earnestly.
”You will come again very soon--to-morrow night?” she had whispered. ”Is it necessary that you bring Mademoiselle Celaire?”
”It is altogether unnecessary,” Peter replied.
”Let me try and entertain you instead, then!”
It was precisely at that instant that Andrea had sent for his sister.
Peter watched their brief conversation with much interest and intense amus.e.m.e.nt. She was being told not to invite him there again and she was rebelling! Without a doubt, he had made a conquest! She returned to him flushed and with a dangerous glitter in her eyes.
”Monsieur le Baron,” she said, leading him on one side, ”I am ashamed and angry.”
”Your brother is annoyed because you have asked me here to-morrow night?” he asked, quickly.